Conclusion

Children and youth are capable and can be deeply invested in contributing to policy development. They are directly impacted by a wide array of policies that influence all citizens, not just those categorized as "child” or “youth" issues. Therefore, there is significant potential to incorporate the voices of young people into policy-making processes. Habits of civic engagement formed early in life also have the potential to stay with young people throughout adulthood.

Engaging young people at any level of involvement is a valuable first step toward understanding their unique needs, benefiting from their insights, and crafting policies that are responsive and effective for both young individuals and the broader community. This review highlights a range of effective, promising, and emerging practices that have meaningfully integrated children and youth in policy development across Canada and globally. Regardless of where gathering voices begins, adhering to the core principles and practices identified in this review can enhance the depth and quality of child and youth participation, ultimately advancing toward more comprehensive and impactful engagement.